Think the Building Materials sector is old fashioned? Think again.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries around the world, and the Building Materials sector is no exception.
New research found that 51% of young people would find a construction career more appealing if it involved AI and digital technology, yet 41% didn’t realise the industry already uses technologies such as AI, robotics, drones and virtual reality.
The reality is that many of the UK’s leading merchants and manufacturers are already investing heavily in AI, automation and digital innovation.
At Travis Perkins, intelligent automation is being used to streamline customer onboarding, automate credit account applications and improve customer service. The business has also introduced digital tools that automate carbon reporting across more than 120,000 products, helping customers manage sustainability requirements more efficiently.
Source: https://www.uipath.com/resources/automation-case-studies/travis-perkins-boosts-retail-efficiency-with-intelligent-automation
https://buildersmerchantsjournal.net/travis-perkins-launches-connect-carbon-tool/
Meanwhile, global manufacturer Saint-Gobain is using AI to accelerate the development of new, lower-carbon construction materials. By analysing vast amounts of scientific and technical data, AI is helping researchers test ideas faster and bring innovative products to market more quickly.
Source: https://www.saint-gobain.com/en/magazine/what-if-generative-ai-could-help-us-build-more-sustainably
https://ai-brainer.com/news/ai-massively-accelerates-material-research-at-saint-gobain-2026-10-20
AI is already being used throughout the building materials sector to improve customer experiences, automate repetitive tasks, analyse data, optimise supply chains and support better business decision-making. From forecasting demand and managing inventory to powering digital marketing and online sales, AI is creating new opportunities for businesses while increasing demand for people with digital, analytical and technology skills.
The careers of the future are already here
The Building Materials sector still needs great salespeople, branch and product experts and business leaders.
But increasingly it also needs people with skills in:
• Data and Business Analytics
• AI and Automation
• Digital Customer Experience
• Supply Chain Intelligence
• Sustainability and Carbon Reporting
• Product Innovation
• Digital Marketing and E-commerce
• Technical Product Specification
These aren’t future jobs. They’re being recruited today. Businesses need people who can combine commercial understanding with digital skills to help customers solve increasingly complex challenges.
Five exciting roles helping shape the future of the sector
Commercial Data Analyst
Uses customer, pricing and sales data to identify opportunities, improve profitability and support business decisions.
Supply Chain Analyst
Works with forecasting and inventory management systems to ensure branches and customers have the right stock at the right time.
Sustainability & Carbon Specialist
Supports customers with carbon reporting, environmental data and product sustainability information.
Digital Customer Experience Manager
Develops online buying journeys, digital tools and customer platforms to improve service and engagement.
AI & Automation Specialist
Identifies repetitive tasks that can be automated and helps businesses use AI to improve efficiency and productivity.
More than supplying bricks and mortar
While many young people think the Building Materials sector is about moving products, leading employers are investing in AI, automation, advanced supply chain technology, carbon intelligence, digital customer experience and sustainable product development.
The sector increasingly needs data analysts, digital specialists, sustainability experts, AI and automation professionals, as well as future commercial leaders.
Whether you’re interested in AI, data, digital innovation, marketing, engineering or sales, there has never been a more exciting time to join the industry.
Explore careers, apprenticeships and opportunities at www.bmcareers.com
For details about the research report https://www.buildersmerchantsnews.co.uk/news/construction/half-people-ai-construction-appealing
